Wednesday, August 29, 2012

What Went Wrong: Oh, you know, many of the usual things. The starting pitching effort wasn't the strongest we've seen in recent weeks. And there was also some unsatisfactory work behind the plate from Ramon Hernandez, not to mention a throw or two going to the spot. Then reliever Will Harris imploded in the 8th (1 IP, 4 ER, 3 H, 2 BB), which would to be more costly than we could have imagined with the Rockies scoring seven runs in their half of the 8th.

Many of those things serve as a nice reminder that changes need to be made in this organization, despite the fact that Colorado has played improved ball recently and showed a lot of heart with their comeback attempt. They still lack fundamentals. They still lack direction. They still stink big picture. But I'll give them credit for showing some professional pride.

Turning Point: The 3rd inning (Read all about in the Pomeranz, Drew section). With an honorable mention to the top of the 8th inning and Will Harris.

The 3rd inning was a big problem for Pomeranz, though not all of it was his doing. There was some tough luck mixed in there with the bloop single from A.J. Ellis and the error on Jordan Pacheco that allowed Mark Ellis to reach. Then came Shane Victorino's infield hit that scored a run, follow by Adrian Gonzalez's seeing eye single through the right field for two more runs. Some maddening stuff in there.

Unfortunately, the two-run home run Hanley Ramirez hit to cap the inning was completely on Pomeranz. If you're going to establish yourself at the top of a rotation someday, those are the game-changing blows you have to avoid. Pomeranz hasn't been able to do that enough up to this point (at the big league level).

On the positive side, he was spotless in the 1st and 2nd innings. He then bounced back with a scoreless 4th despite a lead-off double. Also, he didn't walk anybody. So yes, ugly results, but far from his worst performance of the season.Adam Ottavino's Line: 3 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K, 38 pitches (22 strikes)

Filthy, filthy stuff from Ottavino. His slider was biting hard and the Dodgers had no answers for it. He continues to be a great find for Dan O'Dowd and a sleeper candidate for team MVP.

What's Next: Let's take a day off, shall we? Come on back on Friday when the Rockies welcome the San Diego Padres to town. TBD (Rockies) vs Clayton Richard (11-12, 3.72). 6:40 first pitch.